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The Washington Post reports Mayor Vincent Gray's hopes for a February launch were overly optimistic. Spokesman Pedro Ribeiro says delays in the delivery of new streetcars have slowed things down, and transportation officials underestimated the process for getting the system certified to operate.

But Ribeiro says the streetcar system is an investment in the future and will bring improvements for residents.

Despite the delays, the streetcar system does have major financial backing. The city's capital budget totals $810 million over the next six years to build a 22-mile streetcar system crossing the city.

But transportation officials still won't offer an opening date for the first line.